American Legion Post 300 of West Chicago was chartered by the Department of Illinois on October 15, 1920, with 47 members. Ralph W. Marshall, a World War I veteran, was chairman of the group that formed the Post. Harry E. Benjamin was the first commander.
Still, the new Post grew rapidly, showing a membership of 112 veterans in 1921. The Post also grew rapidly in service to veterans and to the community. It led the way in the proper observance of Veterans Day and Memorial Day in West Chicago, and always stood ready to help veterans with any problems. Over its history, it has organized blood bank drives, community betterment projects, provided playing fields, sponsored Scout packs, baseball and bowling teams for juniors, and contributed to Child Welfare through “projects.”
In all of its efforts, Post 300 has been immeasurably helped by an active and devoted Auxiliary Unit.
By spring of 1945, Post 300 was reflecting an influx of World War II veterans, its membership roll swelling to 145. This number was to increase rapidly and continue with the Korean War and the Vietnam conflict.
Post 300 had its first home in a hall above 113-115 Main Street. Then, in 1951, the Post took a big forward step with the purchase of the building at 111 W. Washington for $12,000, and converting it into a Post Home and opening to the public in 1952. The Post Home was remodeled in 1961 and was widely used for community gatherings. The Post lost this home on November 24, 1965, when a fire started in an adjacent lumber yard and spread to the Home, destroying it.
With the purchase of the 111 W. Washington street property in 1951, a new corporation came into being. The American Legion Corporation of Post 300 was charged with handling the real property and its improvements.
With the loss of the Post Home, this corporate body was called on for yeoman’s work, the task of finding and acquiring a new Home. Finally, in 1965 this same corporation, with full Post approval, purchased the old National Food Store building at 123 Main Street, and set to work to convert it into a Post Home.
The new Home was dedicated Sunday, November 17, 1968, in ceremonies held in the building. When that dedication took place, the Post was blessed, to have 14 of its charter members still on hand. They were Harry E. Benjamin, Ralph W. Marshall, Charles Wilcox, William R. Bond, Frank Carey, Herbert Pearson, William J. Thayer, Ernest L. Miller, and Hugh H. Murphy.
